Join Catholic Life at any of the four worship opportunities on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
On Ash Wednesday, Catholics and fellow Christians observe a solemn day of prayer and fasting. While abstaining from meat and fasting, many also attend special worship services. During Ash Wednesday services, the readings focus on the call to prayer and fasting, and blessed ashes are offered to symbolize repentance.
“Ash Wednesday is a special spiritual day for many of our students. It is one of the days we see the most students. Last year, we saw almost 650 students, faculty, staff, and community members,” shared Trung Huynh-Duc, director of Catholic Life.
Lent continues for forty days of prayer, fasting, and giving to others, in preparation for Easter. This is a special time to deepen or reconnect with faith. People observe Lent in different ways: reading more Scripture, finding new ways to pray each day, giving up something meaningful (like chocolate, social media or streaming), and volunteering to help others. These forty days invite us to reflect on and honor the time Jesus spent in the desert before beginning his public ministry, helping us prepare our lives and hearts for his resurrection at Easter.
“We’re here for you as you journey through Lent,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain of Catholic Life. “We [Catholic Life staff] love getting coffee or lunch with students, so don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Catholic Life is also offering free resources at Ash Wednesday services and on their website to help students make the most of these forty days.
Ash Wednesday services
9:30 a.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion
12:15 p.m. Ecumenical service at Elon Community Church (collaboration with the Truitt Center & Elon Community Church)
4 p.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion
8 p.m. Mass at Elon Community Church